John Deere Classic: Keep an Eye on These Featured Groups

By Carl Conrad

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the fact that only 10 of the top 50 golfers in the world are playing this week’s John Deere Classic – thanks to its proximity to the British Open next week – this PGA Tour event is sure to draw impressive crowds. Many times a depleted field means that the biggest names are all grouped together. That’s not necessarily the case at TPC Deere Run this week. There are, however, a few groups that will draw a bigger crowd than most over the first two days of play.

The biggest gallery is likely to surround two previous champions and a hall of famer. Defending champion Zach Johnson is playing with three-time winner Steve Stricker and Davis Love III. Even though Johnson and Stricker are heavy favorites, don’t expect Love to bow to them at any point, especially because he needs a win to earn a spot at next week’s Open Championship.

It’s hard to believe that D.A. Points is the only 2013 winner in a group that includes Keegan Bradley and Charles Howell III. Bradley has been close but just hasn’t been able to close. Currently on the list of alternates for the major championship next week, Howell can ensure his spot with a win.

Young talent oozes out of the Jordan Spieth, Ryo Ishikawa and Luke Guthrie group. Spieth will obviously be the biggest draw in this group, but the fans that follow this trio will definitely be pleasantly surprised with the quality of play from Ishikawa and Guthrie, as well.